Neath Athletic crowned Cup champions

The two sides had been locked at 8-8 at the end of normal time, a try and a penalty for either side meaning an extra time period had to be played.

Laurie Harries had given Quins a 3-0 lead with a simple penalty, the kick the only score of what was a tight, competitive first half.

Bethan Preece levelled things up for Neath before Harries' superb solo performance continued as she crossed for the first try of the day to put her side back into the lead.

But when Kath Gravell went over for Neath, the game went into extra time. Like the first 80 minutes, added time was tight and fraught with tension but Neath full back Karen Mayze proved the difference as her late, late score, converted by Preece, secured the win.

Neath had been dominant in the early stages, Shona Powell-Hughes at her powerful best from No. 8. But despite Neath being completely dominant at scrum time and seeing plenty of ball, it was Quins who took the lead via a Harries penalty.

On a wet day, there were a number of mistakes from either side but despite a break from Harries and a sin binning for either side, it remained 3-0 at the break.

The second half was barely seconds old when Preece levelled the scores with a penalty for Neath. They weren't level for long though as a superb Harries score made it 8-3 to the Quins. The build-up to the score had seen the Quins playmaker suffer an injury and when she eventually hobbled off 10 minutes later, it dealt her side a huge blow.

Neath made the most of her absence and when Gravell squeezed over in what were increasingly wet conditions, the game was bound for extra time.

The added time was tight and tense but Mayze's score, converted by Preece, saw Neath crowned champions.

The Cup final formed part of a hugely successful day of Women's rugby at Llandovery RFC with seven games taking place in total.

This week on the Principality Premiership Podcast, WRU TV's Graeme Gillespie talks to Carmarthen Quins head coach Louie Tonkin who is aiming to close the gap on leading duo, Pontypridd and Ebbw Vale, with victory against Bridgend tomorrow.

Christmas has come early at Glynneath rugby club, one of a number around Wales who have received an array of merchandise and equipment this December courtesy of the Welsh Rugby Union's £750,000 participation points scheme.
The WRU have been delivering on the scheme - which gives individual clubs access to up to £5,000 worth of supplies and equipment each for the 2014/2015 season - over the last two weeks and today (Friday) were received by a special guest in Glynneath, club president and pitch marker Max Boyce.

The Welsh Rugby Union has signed a new four year deal with specialist equipment supplier Rhino Rugby, which is set to benefit both the grass roots game in Wales and the national squad in equal measure.

We watch the new grass growing and being stitched together in this week's Principality Welsh Rugby Union Podcast. We speak to Millennium Stadium groundsman Lee Evans, Wales great Ieuan Evans gives an overview on the new strategy announced by head of rugby Josh Lewsey, while we also hear from Bedwas, Aberavon and Carmarthen Quins in the Principality Premiership.

Wales assistant coach Rob Howley was welcomed with open arms by the staff and players at Crymych recently when he hosted a training session in memory of former club captain and coach, Glyndwr Richards.

We hear about the WRU's annual report and some exciting new plans for schools and clubs round Wales in this week's Principality Welsh Rugby Union Podcast. WRU finance director Steve Phillips explains the money side, while head of rugby Josh Lewsey explains his new strategy for schools and clubs. We also get reaction from all round Wales.